Round 1

If you've read my previous mocks, you'll know that I believe Simmons to be a giant a-hole, but one hell of a talent worthy of the first overall selection. It's laughable to think that some out there believe Ingram will be the selection because he fits better with the current roster. Simmons will be the selection and the '6ers will build around him. Simmons is the best prospect we've seen in a few years, with a tremendously high floor and ceiling. Reports are that the 76ers are taking him tomorrow - no brainer.

With Simmons going one, numerous outlets have reported that the Lakers will be taking Ingram - another no brainer. Although I've mocked Dragan Bender to the Lakers in my first two previous installments, the report out there is that Ingram is locked in with this pick. Could it be a smoke screen? Possibly. But this tips the scales for me in favor of Ingram. Ingram is an advanced offensive prospect especially considering his young age, has tremendous length and upside to be a poor man's KD.

Even if the 76ers don't unload Okafor to the Celtics for pick #3, I see Kris Dunn being the pick here. He's a good athlete with size, and a beast defensively who can also fill the statsheet offensively. I see him being a poor man's John Wall - a do-everything point that plays hounding defense.

Although I love me some Jon Leuer, Jon freakin' Leuer started for the Suns at the 4-spot last year. That's pathetic. The Suns need to find a starter at the 4, and Bender provides good value here. While he may not be on the same level as Porzingis was coming into the NBA, he's still a versatile forward with nice two-way potential. Chriss may be giving Bender a run for his money as the top big selected in this draft, however. Jaylen Brown will also be considered here, but I believe he's a reach here - and they could trade back for him.

If the T-Wolves keep this pick, this will come down to Hield or Murray (perhaps Bender if he slips). Minnesota needs shooting and they need it bad. Hield is an electric shooter who could be one of the NBA's top marksmen off the bat. His lack of defensive ability and his average at best handles - which will limit his scoring to perimeter shooting - could have teams preferring Murray over him. Hield's athletic advantage pushes him over Murray.

Some rumors out there have the Pels moving this pick for a proven player (maybe Jahlil?), but Murray will be the selection here regardless, IMO, as he's the top player available. Murray can shoot the lights out and is a gamer. Like Hield, his shot-creating ability won't be a strength in the NBA - due to his lack of quickness/handles - and his defensive ability will be well below average.

If the Nuggets end up trading Faried, I could see them taking Chriss here. If not, I think Brown makes too much sense. The Nuggets have a good looking young frontcourt with a solid backcourt. Their biggest need is young talent, and their 2/3 spot could especially use a boost. Brown's size/strength/athleticism combination is arguably the best in the draft, which gives him high potential on both ends. However, his handles need work, his jumper is weak, and he needs to learn to play under control for his potential to be reached.

The Kings are in a nice spot here, as they can watch the draft unfold and take the prospect that falls a bit - and that is Chriss here. Chriss' stock really seems to be on the rise in the last few weeks - he's got a lot of potential on both sides of the ball and is very athletic. However, he could've definitely used another year of seasoning in college and is probably the most raw prospect in the draft (neck-and-neck with his former teammate). His measurables and high block rate suggest high potential on the defensive end, however he is a poor defender as of right now. He is the ultimate boom-or-bust prospect in this year's draft. He would provide more depth to the front court at the 3/4, and compliments Boogie well. He, Cauley-Stein and Boogie, if he's not traded, looks like a strong front court foundation to build on.

With how the Raptors have drafted in year's past, I would not be surprised at all if this pick turns out to be Thon Maker. However, I'm not ballsy enough to go out and project it here. The Raptors' GM has stated that he wants young talent with potential, and Davis has got that. Davis is raw, but he was impressive in his one and only season in college., and isn't a total unknown like Maker. He had really nice per-minute stats on both ends at Michigan State, is very athletic, and is versatile up front. He does need to work on his offensive game, but should be able to start right away for the Raptors as a solid defensive big.

I believe that the Bucks should trade back, accumulate more assets, and draft Wade Baldwin later in the first - he just fits what the Bucks look for and need too well. However, if they stay here, I think that Poetl should be the target. They should take a long and hard look at Skal, but Poetl's production and higher floor makes him the selection here. Poetl doesn't have star potential, but is well-rounded and should be a solid starter in the NBA. To maximize his potential, Jakob needs to learn to play tougher when he gets to the NBA, especially because he's strictly a 5.

Rumor has it that the Magic are enamored with the Kentucky big man. He's skilled and athletic with size, with high potential on both sides. His freshman season, however, highlighted some major weaknesses: his strength, his rawness, and his attitude.

With Horford likely gone, the Hawks would be wise to look at a replacement. Sabonis, who although shouldn't play the 5-spot, has good value here - as he's an excellent rebounder, can shoot and seems like a good fit for the Hawks' culture.

With so many first round picks, the Suns would be wise to invest in some foreign talent. With Bledsoe being shopped, the Suns could use another guard in play. Korkmaz is a smooth lefty with offensive upside, who can play three positions.

The Derrick Rose era is over in Chi-town... Wow - what an abrupt ending. Well, now the Bulls have a gaping hole at the lead guard spot. Murray both fits the need and his value is right around this juncture. He's a boom/bust selection, with a low floor but a high ceiling.

Like I stated previously, it looks like the Nuggets are trying to unload Faried, so it would be wise for the Nuggets to look into finding more depth at that position. Ellenson is a skilled offensive big man with potential to be a floor-stretcher, however his lack of foot speed and defensive prowess limits his upside. He should be a nice role player off the bench at the 4-spot for the Nuggets.

Here's a replacement for Evan Turner just in case he leaves. Valentine can do many of the things that Turner did for this offense - as he's a terrific passer and play-maker out of the 2/3 spot. The difference is that Valentine will be a much better shooter than Turner but may not be as solid of a defender. Valentine's lack of quickness and athleticism hurts his overall upside.